For all appointments in the administrative (93XX and 9631-40) title series, the search committee must provide the equal opportunity and affirmative action accomplishments of the candidates. This information is usually obtained through questioning during interviews as well as assessing application materials, but may be obtained through a written request. Depending on the particular position, the selection criteria could include the “EO Accomplishments.”

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A good affirmative action accomplishments statement will be about actual deeds undertaken, rather than only a philosophy of commitment.

Here are some examples:

Good Statements:

The candidate actively recruited women and minorities for all open positions in his department. Five of six of their present interns are female and one is Hispanic. Seven of 14 of their present residents are female. Females were hired to fill two newly created positions. In addition, he was instrumental in recruiting and hiring the first black faculty member in the department. Last year he created a minority internship position and recently hired a Hispanic to fill the position.

The candidate has mentored female faculty members, supported promotion and tenure of female faculty members and served as an advisor to four female graduate students. Most importantly, she has made recruitment of women and minorities a significant departmental priority and has consistently and vocally worked to achieve this goal.

The candidate has worked as a contact person with minority and women’s organizations, including Minnesota Women in Higher Education, CHART, American Indian Communications Center, and Twin Cities Black Journalists Association. In addition, she has shown strong support of women and minority students through involvement with the American Indian Journalism Students Association, by assisting black and native American students applying for internships and job opportunities, as a speaker at events for minority students, and as a working member of the University’s Commission on Women.

Vague Statements:

In all conversations I have had with the candidate that pertained to minority hiring, I have never detected the slightest hint of prejudice or any other feelings that might conflict with the affirmative action policy at the University of Minnesota.

His use of language was appropriate and respectful toward women. He did not make any sexist comments.